BYU basketball is once again the premier destination for LDS athletes from across the country, and never has that been more apparent than in 2026, Kevin Young's third year at the head of the program.
In the new age of college athletics, where money is a major decision-driver, and loyalty is worth about as much as the ink I'm using to type this 100% digital article, it would surprise very few to see BYU basketball lose its core identity in the pursuit of on-court prowess. Especially given the fact that stars like AJ Dybantsa, Robert Wright III, and the incoming Bruce Branch III have no ties to the university's sponsor religion outside of -- obviously -- enrolling at Brigham Young University.
It's been incredible to see top athletes consider spending a year in Provo, Utah, of all places, when living according to the notably strict BYU honor code has been a deal-breaker for decades. Today, you'll frequently see five-man lineups with "BYU" on their chest despite no ties to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and that's been incredible to see.
But if BYU were to become a top destination for players regardless of background, it would be a shame to see the athletic department lose some of its identity as the central point of the top LDS athletes to migrate toward for their collegiate experience. Despite the increase in non-LDS representation in BYU's basketball program, there has been no decline in LDS talent at BYU. In fact, there has never been a more prosperous time when it comes to LDS athletes with BYU basketball.
In the past, we've seen notable LDS stars like Jabari Parker and Frank Jackson choosing to play at a blue blood like Duke instead of the then mid-major BYU. Today, elite LDS talent like Collin Chandler and Dean Rueckert are enlisting with Kevin Young's platoon.
And it doesn't just end with them, BYU basketball is still very much built on a foundation of LDS stars.
LDS players on BYU basketball's roster (May 1, 2026)
Collin Chandler (4-star)
Dean Rueckert (4-star)
Brody Kozlowski (4-star)
Jake Wahlin (3-star)
Brooks Bahr (3-star)
Dawson Baker (3-star)
So, with the addition of 5-star talent from outside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints microsphere, Kevin Young's magnetism also draws the best LDS talent to Provo. It's a perfect balance where BYU maintains its identity, while simultaneously boosting its competitiveness against the nation's truly elite teams.
In perfect harmony, BYU basketball is having its cake and eating it, too.
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